I'm going to Seaside

A quick overview of my trip to Seaside, OR

Visit Laura at Seaside
Drink at bars
Go to Cannon Beach
Go to the tide pool - what a rip off
See Haystack Rock
Visit Museum
Walk to downtown CB
Drink beer at 2pm
Eat some fatty food
Find some souviner
Back to Gearheart
Ugh -it's cloudy
Start Goonies
Watch Journey to the Center of the Earth
Finish Goonies
Back to the bars
OMG, she's leaving without me
Well, thanks for everything, but I'm heading back up to Washington.

Virginia - Day 5

Day of the race.
I set up my alarm to wake me up at 4 am. Normally, that's not too harsh, but with the time zone, it does make things more difficult- it is 1 am back in Seattle. There are nights I go to sleep at this time. I wake up before everyone and get ready for the 1/2 marathon. After a quick breakfast, we head to Virginia Beach. I get dropped off a few blocks from the start and I walk the rest to the starting area. I get around the convention center and I am immideately overwhelmed at the amount of people that are participating at this event. There is just a people with their bib numbers everywhere.
Before the start, I drop off my stuff at the clothing check, get some last minute water in me and get to my starting wave. Minutes before we start, the announcer mentions that there are Olympians among the masses. Wow, just 3 weeks after the Olympic marathon and they are here running this event. I'm just glad I am way in the back and have no chance of seeing them flying away at the start.
The race start and I run a nice decent speed for the first 3 miles. I don't know if it was the warmer weather or just poorer training, but things just went downhill around 5 miles. I had to stop at the bathroom, I had trouble running between water stops (in my past 1/2 marathons, I only walked at really hilly areas or at the water stops). I find some extra speed around mile 10, but it only lasts about a mile. I finally make it around the last turn for the stretch for the finish line. This finish line felt like it would never come. But eventually, I did finish and I saw that my time was just plain slow.
After getting some food and liquids, I grab my phone to look for my family. Before I could even make the call, my uncle was behind me. My family had already found me. Hooray! After some quick pictures, we decide to head out of the crowded area. We get to the van and I realized they parked inside the race route. Oh noes - we would have to wait until the streets open again before we could leave. That is exactly what we do. I'm not even sure how they got into this parking area, since most of the roads were already close or closing when I was dropped off for the race.
After about an hour long wait (maybe more), the roads were opened up and we get out of there. We head to a buffet and I proceed to go nomnomnom! I try to get liquids in first, but Asian buffet is just good. With everyone full, we head back home were everyone could catch up on their sleep or just rest for the rest of the day.

Virginia - Day 4

We had a late start today, my family and I didn't make it out the door until around 1pm. We first started by picking up my aunt at her work (yeah, she had to work today). We then headed to the Virginia Beach convention center so that I could pick up my running bib and free goodies. My cousin and brother came along and some how my cousin picked up a goodie bag himself.
After the expo, we went back to the house so we could pick up some supplies to go to the beach. The weather wasn't quite helpful or we just got a late start because by the time we got to the beach, winds had picked up and a lot of clouds had rolled in through the area. Even with the winds and clouds, it was still warm enough to have fun in the surf.
Before we left, I decided to do a little run on the beach. My cousin told me to run to this yellow house down the beach, "sure", I replied. I started running towards the yellow house on the beach. I initially thought, this house is pretty close, maybe I'll run a little further. Three minutes of running go by and the house still looks far away. I only wanted run 1 miles or about 10-11 minutes, so I told myself, I'm turning around at 6 minutes no matter what. I finally get to 6 minutes and I never make it to the house. I guess the open area of the beach made the house seems closer than it seemed. I run back to my family and we head back home. Time to carbo load and get ready for the run tomorrow.

Virginia - Day 3

Stayed up later than I should have last night so that we could pick my mom and brother at the airport. Took them back to the house and my aunt started feeding them. I got up earlier today, around 8:00 am because I thought my cousin was going to take us to a waffle house, but not so. My mom didn't feel like going to a waffle house, my brother was indecisive and my cousin was still in bed. We ended up just cooking some traditional breakfast at the house. After breakfast and getting ready, we headed out so that my mom and brother could see some of Virginia.

We first stopped at the Douglas McArthur museum. We then rode the free bus around downtown (the bus driver just gave us a confused look). We then got on board the USS Wisconsin and got to see the battleship. That thing is huge! Went through the little museum about the navy ships. We then went to Dog-n-Burgers. Hmm, greasy food. Oh crap, I can't eat this and run on Sunday. These last few days is going to be hard on my run on Sunday. Poor diet and all these walking is tiring my legs.

After some food, we went back home. My aunt and uncle came back home from work and they took us for a ride around the area. Including on this ride is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. That is one freaking long bridge. Oh, it is also a tunnel. Yes, in the middle of the bay, the bridge just goes down into the water into a tunnel twice. With a quick tour of the area, we... had food again. We went out for some Vietnamese food this time. With dinner done, my cousin and I headed out to Virginia beach.

We went to a club to meet up some of his friends. We ended up at a club that was having a drag show. Yes, we ended up at a gay club. If trying to talk to a girl at a club wasn't hard enough, add in the factors that she might be a he or that she is only into shes - things just got way harder. I had three drinks (should have been zero, I do have a run in just over a day), while my cousin had a little more that he should. I met some of his friends and we had a few good conversations. After the club, we headed to Denny's - oh, just like on the west coast. I tried to eat healthy, but that was just too difficult. Even my whole wheat toast, did not look like whole wheat. I ended up eating mostly carbs and avoided the salt enriched protein.

Oh my god, this run on Sunday should be easy since is almost completely flat, but I'm tired, been having poor diet and my training the last few weeks have been horrible. If my time in this run is more than my first 1/2 marathon, I'll be very unhappy.

Virginia - Day 2

Caught up with my sleep today. My cousin woke me up around 10:30 am this morning. After eating some breakfast, we went over to Starbucks to pick up 10 lbs of coffee beans. Yes, that is a lot of beans. I think it is for my mom, or my aunt like to drink a lot of coffee. My cousin then drove me around for a bit of sight seeing at Virginia Beach. We drove through the strip of VB and we even parked and I got to see the board walk. On the drive and walk, I got to see some of the route I'll be running on Sunday. From what I saw, the entire run is flat!

After Virginia Beach, we headed to one of the local malls. I ended up buying a new pair of running shoes (gah! running is expensive). Then we decided to get a run in to help me prepare for the race. We went back to my aunt's house so that I could change into some running clothes. We then go to a place called "Mount Trashmore". I kid you not! My cousin told me the path around the park was 3 miles, but after running it, it felt more like 1.5 miles. I probably missed a few loops. Oh well, after one lap, my cousin walk the path again, so I got my 3 miles for the day.

With my run out of the way, we go get some food at another mall (I was in the mood for some teriyaki and this mall had one). Before we entered the mall, my cousin tells me that this mall has alot of black people. I respond with, "ok" and didn't think much of it. As we enter, I see a few black people, nothing too unusual. Then I start seeing the stores. The window displayed black mannequins and signs were of black people. I just think to myself that maybe these first few stores were just marketing to the black crowd. We walk by more stores and the stores had similar "marketing". Then right by the food court was a barber shop. Interesting, I see stylist everywhere, but I haven't seen a barber shop in years. Except in a movie. Ok, this is a black mall. There I said it! Anyway, we have some teriyaki at the food court and we head out.

Even after having some teriyaki, my cousin has a craving for some burgers - especially white castle burger. He mentions the nearest one is in New Jersey, about "3 hours away".
"Really?!", I reply.
I immediately agree on a 3 hour drive for some White Castle burgers. My cousin gets on his garmin or whatever he has in his car to look up the direction to the nearest White Castle. Well, 3 hours wasn't quite accurate. The nearest one was 307 miles. I realized that a 6 hour drive was NOT worth it for some White Castle burgers. Harold and Kumar we are not.

After the disappointment, my cousin takes me to the Norfolk waterfront for some tourist attractions. We walk around for about an hour, checking out some of the waterfront features. He then takes me to the local college, Old Dominion University. It's a smaller university, but all the features of a college are there - a book store, cute undergrads, bikers, neighborhoods filled with undergrads, some playing fields and did I mention undergrads? We stop over at my cousin's friends house in the area and chat for a bit. His friend recently had a baby and we got to meet him. Awwww, so cute! It seemed he took a liking to me, stared at me and got all excited. I wish girls had the same reaction to me! But you're just a baby. As it got dark, my cousin then headed home to my aunts for dinner.

My aunt is fattening me up. I get home and she thinks I didn't eat the breakfast she left for me this morning. I tell her I did, but she tells me there were leftovers. Of course there were left overs, she left me enough food for a family of four. As I was eating dinner, she tells me to not be shy about eating and that she cooks a lot and there are will be plenty of food - oh boy. Good thing I lost a bit of weight before coming here, because my aunt will certainly make sure I gain some weight back.

Virginia - Day 1

I am Joram and I had to be up at 3:00 am to be ready for Shuttle Express coming at 3:35. Fortunately, I did all my packing before I went to bed, so I was ready to go when Shuttle Express showed up a 5 minutes early. I have trouble staying awake on the way to the airport. Being so early in the morning, there was no traffic, so I make it to Sea-Tac airport quickly. I go immediately to my airline, but the kiosks were still close. *Sigh* I had to wait until 4:30 for people to show up to help me and the rest of the passengers check out luggage in. After checking in, I go to my gate to wait to board. I find a seat and start falling asleep again. With a wait of over an hour and a half, the plane finally starts boarding. As I make my way to the gate to check in, I notice my boarding pass has no seat number. My pass does say "Open Seating". Interesting - must find single cute chick to sit next to. I size up the crowd - old, fat, attached, scary looking, seat's taken - bah! I get stuck sitting to some panicking lady about having to check in her over sized carry on.
Well, I don't feel like conversing with her. I take a quick pic of myself before I fall asleep. I wake up every now and then from announcements and some snacks being served.

A few hours later, I land in Chicago. I go to my gate to wait for my transfer plane to load. Once again, its open seating. Once again I don't find some single girl to sit next to. Instead, I sit next to some guy and a grandmother. I quickly falls asleep after take off. I was so out this time around that I slept throught the flight attendant asking around what we'd like to drink. I did wake up when there were handing out snacks. Being up, the grandmother starts talking to me. Anyone that knows me, know that my brain doesn't function well immediately after waking up. The grandmother was saying a lot, but all I could do was nod in agreement. After a while, I realize that she's on her way to Virginia from Arkansas to visit his son and granddaughter. She continues telling me that her daughter in law doesn't like her and a lot of other stories. After a two hour flight, I have a rough landing at Virginia.

My cousin meets me, I find my bag at baggage claim and we are on our way. I get to my aunt's house and my cousin show me to a room which I'll be staying at for the next week. My aunt and uncle comes home and we have dinner. I thought I could watch my diet before the run, but screw it! I don't get Filipino food like these everyday. Apperantly, my aunt is cooking even more for tomorrow when my mom finally joins me on this trip. After dinner, my cousin and I walk around the neighborhood to talk about running and him planning his job prospects for after school. After the walk, my aunt and uncle talk to me about me about my job prospects. I couldn't lie, I didn't really have one. They start giving me several advice, which all were good. They even offered me a place in Virginia to stay if I want a job here for $0 rent (Broomie, I'll have my stuff shipped over!). Nah, it is a nice offer, but I don't know yet. I will think about their advices, but for now my focus will be getting ready for the run on Sunday.

Trying to get out

With the summer nearing an end, I feel like I've missed out on the summer. But after some thought, not really. This summer has been one of the most eventful in quite a long time. Here are just some of the things I can remember that I have done;

June 21st - Race for the Cure.
June 29th - Seafair 1/2 marathon with John
July 4th - Fireworks at Boom City with Jerry
July 12th - International District street fair with Melissa
July 19th - Bite of Seattle with Broomie
July 22nd - Went to Shelton, had the first high school reunion committee meeting with Regina and Maria
July 26th - Seafair torchlight 8k race. Got to run the parade route at downtown Seattle.
August 9-10 - Camping at Lake Chelan with Stefani and friends.
August 15-17 - Olympics! Watched a ridiculous amount of Olympics. Had the TV going plus the Internet broadcast.
August 16th - Covey Run 10k with John and friends.
August 23-24 - Hanging out with Susan and friends
Soon - Going to Virgina to visit family, run another 1/2 marathon and possibly see Washington D.C.
After VA - I might head down to Seaside, Oregon for a few nights.

Almost every weekend, I was some where doing something. I'm glad I didn't totally waste another summer.

Over the Last Few Weeks

Wow, I've sucked at updating.
Quick stuff:
Ran two races - Torchlight 8k & Covey Run 10k
Been training too hard, had to cut back a lot.
Getting ready to go to Virginia to do another half marathon.
Work is still annoying
The cat still has a hole in his neck
Went to Susan's over the weekend to meet her Aussie friend.
Drank way too much at Susan's house.
Bought a new laptop.
Watched a lot of the Olympics, but still not enough.
Coworkers are trying to find me a girl (jokingly, maybe, I don't know).
Girl coworkers are as nasty as boys - nuff said.
Umm, that's all I can remember for now.

I Joined a Gym

I am Joram and I joined a gym. There is a gym just down the road from my work, so the location is very convenient. I paid for a full year membership and with that, I also get a key to the gym, so I can workout even after hours. I don't really have plans for that, but I might do a morning workout sometime in the future. I got a quick tour of the gym today, it's not much, but it seems to have plenty of things I need for weight training.

I wrote down a little plan for my workout tomorrow, but I have no idea what I will be lifting. I haven't lifted free weights in such a long time, that I just don't know what my capabilities are on the weights. I think I will be spending the next few weeks just doing several lifts way below of my potential.

I plan to go lift weights at least twice a week. I am still uncertain how I will be able to schedule this around all my other plans - running and biking. I know I reduced my running to three times a week rather than four days. I was thinking that on my easy run day (Tuesday), I will also lift weights and on lift weights on Friday also. My plan kind of looks like this;

Sunday - long run
Monday - rest
Tuesday - easy run/weight training
Wednesday - bike
Thursday - tempo/speed run
Friday - bike/weight training
Saturday - rest

I think it looks good. I mix the weight training with some aerobics and I get two day off too! I'll see how this schedule works over the next few weeks. More muscles please.

2nd Quarter Music

Here are the albums I've listened to for the 2nd quarter of the year;

Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things
Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift
Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
Billie the Vision... - I was so unpopular... (Band name and album name is long!)
Mariah Carey - EMC2
Maroon 5 - Song About Jane
Usher - Here I Stand
Leona Lewis - Spirit
Madonna - Hard Candy
Spice Girls - Greatest Hits
N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds
The B-52s - Funplex

My top pick from this last batch are Jason Mraz and Billie the Vision.

Seafair 1/2 Marathon

Last weekend was the Seafair Half Marathon. I got the opportunity to be one of the first people to run across the 520 floating bridge! Even thought I have ran a half marathon before and I've been running since, this was a harder run for me. Maybe it was because I have ran a half marathon before, so I wasn't just trying to finish, but trying to finish at a faster time. Another thing that was constantly on my mind coming up to the event was the heat wave that came to Seattle. We were in the mid-50's then suddenly the temperatures shot up to the high 80s - the overnight low for last Saturday was 63!

Well, even with the heat and the extra pressure I put on myself, I did manage to finish the half marathon with a time of 02:13:43.1 (10:13 pace). A 20+ second pace improvement! That time surely surprised me, there were a few things that I wasted time on - spending too much time at the water stations and all the extra time I spent on the hills on the 2nd half of the race - I still finished strong. Anyway, enough reminiscing about the past event, my next big event is 5 months away.

And Another Run

My second half marathon is this Sunday. This course will take me across the 520 bridge, around Bellevue and finish in downtown Bellevue. Sure, I've ran a half marathon before (about 6 weeks ago) and I've been running since then, but I'm a little afraid of the Seattle heat wave that suddenly came. I haven't ran a lot in this type of weather, so I don't know how my body will react. Will I be sweating so much that I'll be dehydrated and be unable to perform to my best level? I don't know. I guess I'll wish for some summer winds to help cool the heat.

Personal Best in 5k

As I've mentioned, I ran a 5k today, and I smashed my old and first 5k time. This event didn't have chip timing, so the time is unofficial, but I ran the 5k in 26:29. That is a pace of 8:32 per mile and a 2 minute improvement from my Love Em or Leave Em run. I think I could get it to the 7 minutes, but I would rather focus my running on distance to prepare for a marathon. But 7 minutes... that would just be awesome... no, no, one goal at a time.

Yes, as much as I would like to shave just over 32 seconds per mile on my 5k, I need to focus on my goal of running a marathon first. Oh wait, I don't think I've mentioned it on my blog yet - I've signed up to run the Seattle Marathon at the end of Novemeber. Yes! All 26.2 miles in one day. Wish me luck on my training.

Race for the Cure

Well, I ran another 5k this morning. This run was the Seattle Race for the Cure which helps raise funds for cancer research. Six people from my company, including myself, signed up for the run and us six managed to raise a total of... get ready for it... $0.00! ... I guess we weren't really trying to raise money. I know I wanted to do another 5k to see how my time has improved. I am glad that some people from work did join in, hopefully next time we could get more people to join and maybe raise some money.

More Runs

I'm currently signed up for two runs (the Seattle Race for the Cure on June 21st, and another run, which I will not reveal quite yet), but I am looking at a few more. I am looking at the Bridle Trail 5k/10k run at the end of the month. It'll be my first run on a trail, which would be nice, but trails are uneven, so I'm afraid that some tree root could mess up one of my ankle or other joints.

An old roommate of my just asked me to join him on a half marathon. He didn't exactly which one, but it might be the one at the Seafair run at the end of the month. I've messaged him back on facebook and hopefully he can get back to me fast.

Another run I'm looking at is the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon at Virginia Beach. I have family in Virginia and I'm trying to finalize the go ahead for me (and my family) to come and visit. Being able to stay with my family in Virginia will save some money for other runs :).

I want to run the Covey run in August - it helps raise funds for the Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center which ensures quality care to all children in the Northwest regardless of their ability to pay. Then there is also the Dawg Dash at UW in October which I'm doing just because it is at UW (my alumni).

Now, one run I've decided to skip out on the Evergreen 5k which is two weeks away. Why? Well, work is going to suck for the next few weeks, I do have another 5k the following week, commuting to the South end is difficult, and staying at my moms is annoying.

I'm pretty sure I've missed some, but all my notes are at my apt and as I mentioned a couple posts ago, I'm in Shelton. If there are any other runs out there that anyone is doing and would like me to join, just let me know and I'll check with my schedule.

8:58

8:58. That was my pace time for the Goldsborough Creek 7 mile run yesterday. My goal was only 9:30, but I managed to take off more than 30 seconds. Yes, it is still slow, but much faster than the pace from my first 5k or my first half marathon. I guess this is just another bench mark for me to start measuring myself. Now I just wonder if I could keep that pace up for nearly twice the distance in a half marathon or even farther. I guess I'll find out on my runs over the next few weeks.

I am in Shelton

I am Joram and I am in Shelton. I took off an hour earlier from work to try to avoid the traffic, but sadly the traffic was there. Slow downs here, accidents there, oh it was just annoying. I wanted to take the day off, but today was a co-workers last day and I wanted to be there even if it is for a couple hours (more later).

Anyway, I'm in Shelton because of the 7 mile run tomorrow. The sign ups didn't have any map of the course, so I am actually using the email description I got from the organizer and drive it later. Most of it is out in the middle of nowhere, Shelton is already in the middle of nowhere, but the run described was even out farther. I just hope it is safe and there not some crazy Sheltonian who thinks it would be funny to cross some orange cones. Anyway, I'm going to check out the road and maybe stop at Wal-Mart.

Hey, it's the sun!

All week I've been checking out the weekend forecast and all week it's been saying that it'll be cloudy and rain here and there, so I was quite surprised to find the sun coming out today. No, its more than that, it is all blue sky outside!

I originally planned today as a recovery/rest day, but with the sun in full force, I decided to get the bike out. I guess it was a good time to try out my new cycling shorts - it has some padding to help on those longer rides and bumps. I decided to cycle about 20 miles and it was nice to have the sun out for a change and the shorts did help. I hope to have some more nice weather for the rest of this three day weekend.

Capital City Marathon

So yesterday, one week after my half marathon, I ran the "5 miler" at the Capital City Marathon in Olympia. I wasn't sure how'd I do, since my roommate suggested I should just stay off my feet for a while after my first 1/2 marathon, but what can I say? I'm too competative! Anyway, there was a few things that worried me;

-When I ran 3.2 miles the Thursday before, my muscles hurt afterwards. I guess that was a sign that I was not at 100% yet.
-Another thing that was worrying me was the hot weather on Friday and Saturday, it made it hard to stay hydrated. I tried drinking a lot of water Saturday night, but I was still dehydrated.
-Poor diet, my mom doesn't have the food I've been normally been eating, bananas, whole wheat bread, chicken. I made do with some rice, pork, and salad (wait, I shouldn't be having ruffage the night before).

I ended up stopping at Wal-Mart to grab a couple bananas to eat on my way to Olympia the next morning. Also, I had 4 glasses of water as part of my breakfast to combat the dehydration. As for my body, I was hoping it had recovered enough in the last couple days.

One thing I'll say about this event, they need more port-o-potties! I get there and I make a bee-line for the port-o-potties. Sweet, no line, wait, yeah there is and it goes all the way... back there?! I stand in line for about 15-20 minutes and when I hear that the 1/2 marathon was starting soon and if the 5 milers in line for the bathroom(me), could let the 1/2 marathoners have cuts. Oh heck no! I look at the people in front of me and they see my bib and I just cover it up and whimper for bit. I don't give anyone any cuts and just run to the port-o-pottie when one opened up.

After the bathroom incedent, I go over to the start area to cheer the 1/2 marathoners. When they go by, I go over to the course map and study it a little bit more. I then take off my pants (I'm wearing shorts!) and drop it off at the clothes drop off booth. I do my warm ups and then head to the start line. Right before we start we are warned that it seems some people have been too stupid to notice the "Road Closed" signed in the middle of the roads and have driven on the course - FUN. Moments later the race starts.

We run through a few city blocks before getting the main strip, Capital Way, there I see the fast guys are waaaaay ahead. Now my goal for this run was to run a sub 10 minute pace, so 51:59 was my goal time (race was suppose to be 5.2 miles). I run my first mile at 9:40, nice, good pace. Right before I reach the 2 mile marker, I see the fast runners running back on the other side of the street - Geez! I'm just breaking a sweat and these guys are on getting ready to finish already. I wasn't expecting any water station for a 5 mile run, but since the course was also on the marathon and 1/2 marathon, there was a couple of water station. I grab some water and keep myself hydrated. I continue on my run and see that I'm on an awesome pace for a sub 10:00. Just before the turn around I notice that I'm running on a bike lane that is as wide as the car lane - wow, I'm sure a lot of bikers in Seattle would love to have this kind of space. I reach mile 3 and I try to speed up a little bit more. I end up passing these two girls (I later find out they're 14), and I tell myself that I should at least beat these girls. Right before mile 4 the girls pass me - gatdagit! I try to speed up some more. We come up on a small hill and as I reach the top, I could hear the speakers from the finish line. I try to speed up some more. I get to the point where I think I just can't or should speed up anymore if I want to finish this race running. I peaked. I start slowing down and those thow girls I passed recently pass me again - BAH! I finally try to run as fast as I can after running 5+ miles, but those two girls ended up beating me by about 13 seconds. Oh well.

I look at the time and end up finishing at 48:13, a 9:16 pace. Holy crap, are they sure that was 5.2 miles and not 5 miles? Wow, that pace time really surprised me, I guess my next goal for a short run is to beat a 9:00 pace.

Kirkland 1/2 Marathon

I know this is more than a week behind, but I thought I'd post something up about my first 1/2 marathon. I actually started writing this at work last week, but things have just sucked so much that I couldn't even touch it until now. Anyway, on to the Kirkland 1/2 Marathon....

My alarm wakes me up before 5:30, but I hit the snooze button to try to get a few more minutes of sleep. This extra sleep doesn't last as Kibbie, the house cat, jumps on my bed and "meows" at my face. With Kibbie following, I make my way to the kitchen to have breakfast. I eat one egg, over-easy, two whole wheat toast, and one banana. I make my way back to my room to switch into my running gear. As I start pulling the pile of Champion gear by my shoes, I take a quick peak outside and find it cloudy and chilly - greaaat. Being so chilly, I decide to take a quick shower to wake myself up and to help my muscles warm up. After the shower, I finally put on my running short, shirt, socks, and shoes. I then put on a jacket and warm-up pants to help keep my self warm before the run. I grab my bag and put my hat and gloves in it. I head downstairs and grab a couple pills I'll be taking after the run, a powerade from the fridge, and a peanut butter sandwich I made the night before. I take another quick check of my inventory to make sure I have everything I'll need. With everything I need, I head for the door. As I open the door, Kibbie, runs out the door and only stops at the steps.
"Hey! Stop! Get back inside!"
Kibbie just looks outward and points his butt at my face - Jerk!
I put my bag down and grab Kibbie and put him back inside the apartment and lock the door.
Alright, finally, on to Kirkland. I drive over to Juanita Park in Kirkland and on my way there, I start seeing the orange traffic cones for where the marathon will run through.

Ok, change of pace, enough with these complete sentences because, my mind wonders too much for that...

As I near Juanita Park:
Where can I park? A bunch of roads are blocked.
I find some space a few blocks away from the park.
Holy crap, it's cloudy, it's cold and all the breeze is not helping.
I deliver the envelope of money to Hope Link, they seemed surprised. Wait? Did I do this right? Was I suppose to do all the donation online or what? Damn brochure!
I walk around to try to stay warm.
The half marathon walk is about to start.
I go over and do some clapping and cheering for the walkers.
Ok, time for me to get ready.
One last trip to the port-o-potties.
I strip off my jacket and pants (I wore shorts underneath) and give it to the clothes drop off booth.
I find a little area of my own and start my warm ups
Jumping jacks.
Stretches.
More stretches.
Ok, I make my way over to the 10:00 minute pace group.
Oh god its windy!
I walk over to a SUV parked near the start area and use it as a wind breaker.
I few people join me.
Rain? what? who said rain?
"On my way down here from the North, there was rain"
Oh please, don't let it rain, it's cold already.
Ok, 2 minutes before the start, I go back to the pace group.
3...2...1...HOOOOONNK (air horn sound).
Ok, here we go.
I'm aiming for a sub 11:00 minute pace for the entire race.
Oh, here comes the first hill of many.
Ok, not too bad.
Ohh, first mile already... 9:00 minutes?! Oh crap, must slow down.
Run, run, run
2nd mile, 21 minutes?! Did I just slow down to a 12 minute mile?! Ok, somewhere in between.
Oh god, more hills.
3rd mile, 31 minutes. Hmm, 10:20 pace, ok maybe the first two mile markers were off, but 10:20 is a good pace.
Ohhh, water station! I thought we wouldn't have one until mile 5.
I walk to make sure I actually drink and not choke the water and Gatorade.
Back to running.
I see a guy take a turn 90 degrees and run into some bushes.
Where is he going?
....ohhhh
Run, run, run
4 miles go by, forty something minutes - blah.
I finally take off my gloves and put it in the small of my back as the roommate had suggested.
GLOVES! GLOVES! GLOVES!
What? oh!
The gloves fell and luckily enough, the people behind me notified me and one even picked it up. I do some weird 180 degree jump spin and wait for the runner behind me to hand me my glove.
I get my glove and continue on the run.
Bah, more hills.
I don't know what mile I'm on anymore.
More water!
"Gatorade is next"
LIES, the Gatorade was gone. Oh, I hope the electrolytes hold up.
More running.
My pace is easily a sub 11 minute pace, but I'm still scared my body will just fail when I enter 10, 11, and 12 miles.
Another water station. No Gatorade again!
God, where am I? how'd I end up over the highway?!
Ugh, my feet hurts! Running down hill hurts! Ugh, can't go full speed on downhills.
Oh noes, hills!
This guy passes me... again? Wait a minute, this guy has passed me like 5 times now, but I never notice passing him, weird.
Oh geez, enough with the hills.
How long have I been running? Hour and half?! geez!
More water stations with no Gatorade.
Ok, must be nearing the end, the waterfront is coming up!
OMG, a water station with Gatorade!
The greatest tasting Gatorade I've ever had in my life. A little too much, but oh so delicious.
Ohhh, Lake Washington... ow, it hurts to turn my head.
Ok, back to running.
Getting much closer, into the double digits.
Wow, these streets sucks. It's at a much steeper angle than most streets, so I hop on the sidewalk.
Oh, why more hills?! Why?! seriously?!
Mile 12?! Really?
Ok, Kick it Joram.
Hey, that's my mom and little brother.
Ouch, what was that? Oh noes, my right calf nearly cramped up.
On no, again. Oh hells no, not now!
Oh, smile for mom's camera... too slow mom, I'm not stopping now.
Oh, so close to the finish.
Another turn.
Ok, another turn.
Ok, another one. Oh, there's the finish.
OmG, I finished.
Ohh, goodie bag, no time to look, get this chip off my shoe and give me some water.
Hmm, water.
Hmm, banana.
Hmm, free pizza. Umm, why can't I chew? My jaw is cramping up?!
I chew through the pain and finish the pizza.
I get my jacket and pants at the booth and look for more free stuff at the park.
I grab an apple and head back to the car to get my cell phone to call my mom.
Oh, feeling light headed. Ok, I guess I'll sit here.
Ok, drink a bit more water.
Ok, I'm fine.

Anyway, I finished the race at 2:18:25 a 10:34 per mile pace which was much faster than I had wanted. I finally found my mom and celebrated mother's day with her for the rest of the afternoon.

My Job

it's annoying

Huge Success!

Finished the Kirkland 1/2 Marathon at 2:18:30 (unofficial), that's a 10:35 pace. Yay me! Ok, got to take mom out for Mother's Day now.

That's a lot of hills

So the Kirkland 1/2 marathon is this Sunday and with the roommate's suggestion of checking out the course before the run, I saw a lot of hills. I was aware of the first hill in the 1st mile, I drive there to work, but I saw more hills that I would like to see. I've been running on mostly flat course and when I did do some hill on the treadmill, it was for the short runs. I feel like I should have spent some long runs on the treadmill with various hill added. Bah! Oh well, nothing I can do now, my last training run was last Thursday and all I can do now is get plenty of rest and eat the proper diet before Sunday.

So many hills...

True Sportmanship

Excellent story - Central Washington offers the ultimate act of sportsmanship

To the Pain

I am Joram and I'm in a lot of pain. After my interval run on Thursday, my legs was in some pain. I passed on pain killers since I read somewhere that they deter recovery. That idea didn't last too long though;

I had planned a 10 mile run on Sunday. About 14 minutes into the run, my legs and body just started hurting. I'm not really sure how I did it, but I ran the 5+ miles in one direction. Being over 5 miles away from my truck, I knew I had to make it back for the 10 miles. I did finally make it back and my body felt horrible. As soon as I got home, I took twice the recommended dose of Advil (OMG! - nah) and just sat down for a while. The pills eventually kicked in and it made most of the pain go away, thank god.

Monday came and I thought I was much better, except for some pain in several of my joints. Tuesday came and I felt even better, until I stood up from my chair at work. When I stood up at work, I felt sharp pains in both of my knees. OH, that's new. My hip joint and ankles were better, but my knees suddenly had some new pains. I wondered how I'd do on my planned 5 mile run later in the day.

After work, I took my run to the treadmill in the apt gym. Less than a mile into the run and I could feel the sharp pain in my knees already. I figured it is only 5 miles for the day and I should just run through the pain. Sadly that didn't last the 5 miles. I stopped running at 4 miles. After getting back home, I immediately wrapped my knees in hopes that the pain was from some swelling.

It's Wednesday and I plan to run 6 miles tomorrow with some hill workout, I'm still afraid of the condition of my knees, but if I want to run that half marathon, I will run that 6 miles. I am Joram and I need more pills.

How About a Smoothie?

While we're on the subject of goals, another goal I had was to reconnect with my old friends - well, a couple weeks ago, I got to talking over myspace with an old friend, Sarah, from UW. After a few messages, we decided to meet for a little catch up. The initial plan was for some coffee, but we realized we're not coffee drinkers. After some thought we decided to have smoothies instead. With her busy schedule (she's working weekends), we were lucky enough that there was a smoothie place right by her work.

Good deal, meet you there.

We meet up at the smoothie store and then walk around to do the whole catch up thing. She works at google, thinks the 24 fitness at Kirkland is ghetto and loves the smoothie place. I took up running and play too much warcraft. After a while, she had to go back to work and we said our goodbyes.

So, an afternoon spent with an old friend. With spring here, hopefully I can go out and spend more afternoons with more friends.

More Music!

Part of my goal this year was to listen to more music. I generally listen to these albums while on runs. I'm not much of a critic, so I'll just list the albums I've listened to since my last update;

Alicia Keys - As I am
Plain White Ts - Every Second Counts
Starsailor - Love is Here
Foo Fighters - Echoes Silence Patience And Grace
Chris Brown - Exclusive
Kanye West - Graduation
Bush - Sixteen Stone
Nirvana - In Utero
M.I.A. - Kala
Janet Jackson - Discipline
Snoop Dogg - Ego Trippin'
Sara Bareilles - Little Voice
Flo-Rida - Mail on Sunday
Howie Day - Stop All the World Now

I know a couple of those albums are really old, but since I only heard the singles and never heard the entire album, I am including them on the list. Wow, that's more that I thought!

Music on the horizon;

Jason Mraz
Taylor Swift

40 Years Later

Another Raise

So, I got another raise today. This one was the cost of living, market raise or whatever, it's more money for me! this one was actually more than my first one. Oh man, I totally didn't expect the amount they gave me, but it is nice and makes me willing to take the crap from this job longer.

On another note, my boss, said that not every position got this raise. Later in the day, two girls were in tears, had a little meeting with our boss and then took off early for the day. Were these two things connected? Possibly, but that would suck to know everyone is getting an extra raise while they're not.

Anyway, more money for me! I should be making my realistic income I saw myself making when I got out of school - sure it's four years later, but I'm making it now.

Taking it for a Spin

Took the new mt. bike for a spin. I'm still breaking her in so I didn't go on any off road yet. Instead, I went to the Burke-Guilman trail where it's paved. I didn't go very far, I went about 20 mins in one direction, then turned back home. My quads are no where near where they used to be back in my biking days. Oh well, if the weather is nice, I might just give St. Edwards Park a try.

Influenza Can't Stop This

I've had the flu since Sunday night, but I haven't let it stop me. On Tuesday, after being in bed for 12 hours the day before, I managed to get myself to the gym and run on the treadmill and do some lift. Then on Thursday, I went on a 5 mile run - 2 miles in the rain, 1/2 mile in the hail. Now today, I went on a 8.5 mile run. That last 0.5 mile was rough, but I made it. Last Wednesday, I thought I'd be lucky to get 5 miles in, but I got my 8 mile and then some. Man! I'm awesome.

And I Spend My OT Money

For the last couple weeks I've been looking up information on bikes and trails - pretty much trying to get back into biking again. I decide that I will get a mountain bike since I can always run on the Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River trails. Anyway, after looking for a few places to go to around my apt and work, I ended up at a shop in Redmond.

I go in and talk to an old guy. He start telling me about some bikes. He uses terms like frame, crank, and derailer - I was so glad I have been reading up on bikes since just a week ago, I would not have known what he was talking about. After some talk, I decide to give one of them a test ride. I ride up and down the street shifting gears and seeing how the brakes works. I then decide to hop a sidewalk. It was at that moment, when I hopped that side walk, I decided I was going home with a bike today. I continue riding the bike around for a few more minutes. I go back into the store to look at this cheaper bike and give it a go. I take it outside and give it the same test, shifting gears, brakes, etc, and the first one just felt much better. I really wished that wasn't the case since the first bike test rode cost $100 more. After some thought, I decided, I don't care, I want a bike.

I go back to the store and tell the guy, I want that first bike. Well, with a new water bottle and taxes, my new bike cost over $500. I had intended to spend maybe only $300, but I opt for the better brakes and the frame. Actually, there a few more parts that are good, but I don't know, the guy went through them pretty fast. Well, I'll be spending the next couple weekend breaking this bike in and my legs too. Luckily, I've been running, so my stamina should be ok. Anyway, so that's how I spent my overtime money.

Pay Raise & an Award

Well, yesterday I found out what my raise would be; It was good. The percentage was really good, but since my pay wasn't really awesome, overall, it was just ok. I need more money gawd dangit!

Then today we had our quarterly meeting and surprisingly I got an perfect attendance award. Really?!? I know I never called in sick, bu I was tardy numerous times. I'll check with my boss tomorrow and see what he says.

Being Sick Sucks

Being sick sucks. It really does. I was in bed for over 12 hours last night and I might do the same thing tonight. Althought I do want to get to the gym. Ugh, hopefully some meds will keep the symptoms away long enough for me to hit the gym.

Sugarholics

I saw this posted on a friend's myspace and even to this day, it's pretty true;

Sniffles and then some

Oh, I'm getting sick. I'm getting chills, but I'm warm, my nose is running and I'm sneazing like crazy. I want to blame that cake from last week! That frosting gave me a sour throat and it hasn't gone away. It caused me to be coughing for the last few days. Bah! Being sick is the suck.

St. Patrick's Day Dash

Hooray! Another running event finished. Today was the St. Patrick's Day Dash in downtown Seattle. The roommate ran this one too, although, she ran just a bit faster than me.

Anyway, my goal for this run was just to run the whole thing without stopping and hopefully improve my pace time to 10min/mile. When the run started, I kept up with my roommate for about 1/2 mile until we got to some turns and we tried to get the inside lanes...like everyone else. The first turn caused some congestion and we ended up splitting up. I ended up just a few seconds behind her, but the next turn, she gained more from me. Tried to weave through some people, but after a few minutes of this, I just F-it and just ran my race.

About a mile into the race, we ended up in a tunnel. The run in the tunnel was cool, because a lot of people running were screaming and cheering which just made the tunnel loud. It was pretty cool that people were really into it.

Finally making it out of the tunnel, I notice a couple of people at an ambulance. Some girl was getting an ice pack, I guess she slipped and got a little banged up. I run past the injured girl and then see the 2 mile marker. Wait, have I really ran 2 miles already or is there 2 miles left? I look at the time and it's just under 18 minutes. Did I really run the first two miles at a 9 minute pace?

After trying to cope with my awesome speed, I try to take a moment and look around and just see Seattle. I look at my right and see the pier and the sound and to my left was some of Seattle's buildings. Cool, I don't normally get to notice these sites since I'm in a car zooming to my destinations. I then look up ahead and I see that we are a whole lot closer to Qwest field. I then see the 3 mile marker! Oh snap, only .58 miles to go. I try to speed my run up. I end up passing this dad and son combo;

The son was only maybe 8 years old and he has ran over 3 miles and just wanted to stop to walk, but the dad was telling him it's so close. It was close, I wanted to cheer him on and say a few inspirational words, but they were slowing down and I end up passing them. I take a couple left turns and it's the last stretch of the run. I run for a few and I notice the finish sign ahead. That was when I started sprinting, well, running a lot faster. I past a few people and finally cross the finish line. I look up at the race clock 33:41 and then I look at my watch, 32:25. What?! Did I really run that fast? I guess I ended up running at a 9:05 pace. DAng, totally unexpected. I'm so awesome. I get my two goals for the run; Run the whole thing and run faster than a 10 minute per mile pace. I'm excited!

Well, now to try to figure out my next race. I actually have one in mind already :). Although I want to wait a couple weeks and see how I'm feeling before signing up.

OT is over

I just remember, no more overtime for work. I've been 50+ hours a week for 3, maybe 4 weeks? 40 hours was already enough and 10 extra hours is too much for me. I can focus on other stuff now, like training for... oh wait, the run is tomorrow, RUINED! Curse you work, curses.

My Body is Gross

So I decided to do some "Before" shots. I flex in a few poses, getting front back and what not. Well, I just looked at the pics and it's not pretty - it's gross! Remember that episode of Seinfeld where he had a girlfriend that was always naked, but then was coughing and then straining to open a bottle. Well, I think it's like that. I got all these flab on top of all my muscles...

I lifted weights like crazy for 2 1/2 years in high school, so I got some muscle.

But yeah, it's not pretty. I have to find some way to get rid of this fat!

Clothes Shopping

So, there is a downside to losing weight - your clothes not fitting you. Yeah, all my pants are way too big. I could actually put them on without unbuttoning them. With my pants not fitting me properly, I went out to buy some new pants at the mall. Took me way too long to find some pants that fit because, well, I didn't know my size anymore. Things were tight here, loose there, oh my god. I did end up finding some pants, but then I noticed that they were dry clean only. Bah! I'm not buying clothes you have to dry clean, I don't have the expense for that. So back to the racks to look for new clothes.

After some searching, I did find some pants that could be washed in the washer and since I had a good idea of my new size, finding some new pants was much simpler (run on sentence). It was good though, since the pants I ended up getting were much cheaper than the first ones I was looking. I was then heading out of the store, when I decided to stop by the sporting clothes section. Oh, ruined.

I ended up buying a couple of other clothes, a vest, to help with the cold runs, and a fleece pullover (zip-up?) for the chilli Spring runs. Ok, ok, I thought this is enough, I only came for pants. But then I notice a jacket that was very similar to what I had stolen from a few years past, so, I bought it. Then I bought a sweater too. Oh my god, I don't have the income for this? Why was I buying all these stuff? Oh yeah, it's a distraction for a distraction - riiiight.

Anyway, I thought I was done with the mall, I was wrong. I ended up at Finish Line looking for some new running shoes. I looked at a few and decided, "let me see what foot locker has".
Foot Locker didn't have much, so I went back to Finish Line. I then started eyeing the shoes more. I ended up trying one and it was uncomfortable. I don't care if it's the most popular shoe of 2007, I don't like it. I then start talking to one of the guys and I tell him about my crazy feet and running shoes; I tell him how one is suppose to be better for me, but uncomfortable and other which shouldn't be for me feels just right. After looking at a few options and him telling me about the shoes, I ended up trying another one. It felt better than the first one, but it still had some discomfort. He then recommends that I trying some new soles for it. I try it out on one shoe and boy it felt much better. I end up buying the shoe and some new soles.

Really?! I'm not made of money!

No, the story isn't done yet.

On the way back home, I stop at Target. Luckily this was a faster stop. I pick up a tie for Monday and a running hat and... I think that's it, maybe. I can't remember.

I'm done, right?

Nope!

I make another stop at Safeway for some food. I pick up some food for the next few days and my dinner to be cooked. Sigh.

Ok, ok, I'm bleeding money here.

I get home and get all my stuff into the apt. Oh, what's this waiting for me? A package. I nearly forgot, I ordered some stuff from the intertubes earlier in the week.

REally? Now I know where I waste all my money on. I really shouldn't shop with emotion.

It was simple

It was simple, make time. That is all you have to do.

Crank

I should be in bed, but I accidentaly started watching "Crank". Man, the first 5 minutes is just intense! As I'm about to put it off who appears? Pedro from Napoleon. Ok, I stopped paying attention to the movie to write this, but there's a room full black dudes with guns - this could get crazy!

"Driving through a mall, cops are chasing me." Blues Brothers LOL!

Whoa, that was cool camera work.
Bejing cocktail, don't stop moving, got it.
Achy Breaky?!
Google map? Really?
It's like a video game!
WTF?! Al-Quada! That's messed up.
epi-ne-phrine, man
One down!
Nothing like some help from your local tweaker.
Oh, it just got weird - er.
Eyes on the road yo!
Ok, this guys needs some pants fast.
Waffle Iron... no, no.. oh he is.
Zoom, zoom, boom!
Oh, oh, death vision!
Flash back vision.
Hic-ups, always comes at the worst time.

Bah, I can't stay up, must sleep. I'll watch the last third of this movie tomorrow.

Wait, public sex... lol.
Plain hilarious!
Tour bus full of tourist(?)!
LOLOOOLOOLOOL
crack-head?
Human body shield, oh snap!
Big man down - wait, no death vision?

Ok, really need some sleep.

Oh, another for the body count.

Incomplete thoughts

I swear I get more stupid as the night goes - especially on myspace, but I'm glad I stopped myself from doing something stupid.

Hi!
Whatcho want?
How are you?
Fine, what's up?
Not much, just seeing how you're doing.
Ok
Yeah
What's new?
Umm.. still Seattle, started running
Cool, cool
Yeah
So?
So?

Skipped A Run

Skipped my 2 mile run today to hang out with the roommate. Had some Mickey-D's - drove to it, unlike the walked we agreed upon a few months ago. Then got some new toys for my cat at the pet store. I don't think he liked the harness we got, so gonna have to return it and pick up a better one.

The run is this Sunday, so enough of this, need some rest and get ready for the run.

A Slight Set Back

Try as I might, I just couldn't finish my run today. Actually, I could barely start it. The original plan was 6 miles, but I stopped at 3.3 miles. My body just wouldn't response. I don't know if it's the lack of sleep the last few weeks, stress, or other things. Bah, either way this is a slight set back.

Cornered

So my roommate "cornered" me and tried to make me talk about... stuff. Doesn't she know I'm introverted? Didn't I type that up here somewhere already? Maybe it was a different blog, bah, I can't keep track of these things anymore.

YEah, she'll read this and we'll have to have another chat session or something.

Looking Ahead

Just looking ahead for Sunday's weather and it seems to be good so far. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that I'm doing another run and it's this Sunday. It's a ~3.6 mile run in downtown Seattle for St. Pattty's Day

I'm not really sure what my goal should be for it though. I know I can finish it without stopping to walk, but I keep thinking about my time. I ran the 5k at a 10:32 pace and even though this one is just a little farther, I wonder if I could beat that pace. Well, I have a few more days to think about it.

So Much On My Mind

Hmm, so much on my mind, but very little of it I want to share on here - sorry B-spot.

Utah!

I'm heading out for Utah in a few hours, if I don't make it back - well, it's been nice knowing you all.

Gone! Dammit!

Curse myself! I accidentally left my little notepad in one of my pants pocket and those pants just went threw the washing machine. All the little notes I've jotted down; groceries, little reminders, random dreams, random thoughts, directions, address, phone numbers, and many other notes - gone! GONE I tell you.

If there was only a better way to keep track of my random thoughts, hmmm....

I need more sleep

Goal for the Week: Get more sleep!

The last couple of weeks, I've put running ahead of most things, including lifting weights, but now I'm putting sleep in front of running. Working the extra hours at work plus spending some time these last few days with some friends have left me tired. I actually had to skip my run this morning since I didn't even get to bed until 2am. I still plan to run tonight, but my trip to Target will have to be delayed. I already used my lunch break at work to buy some groceries (thank god for the fridge at work), so that I could have some extra time tonight.

Sub 200

For the first time in over eleven years, I am under 200 lbs. 200 is still a lot, but I remember the last time I was sub 200;

It was my sophomore year and I was freaking out at weighing 192 lbs, so I stopped going to taco bell for lunch and got my weight down to 180. Then, I hit the weight room... HARD. From January to end of the school year in June, I was lifting weights 4-5 times a week. In just under 6 months I had gained about 25lbs (mostly muscle).

At the time, I didn't really care about gaining so much weight since most of it was muscle. Unfortunately, high school ended and I stopped going to the weight room.

I've slowly gained weight after college, until I'm pretty sure I hit my peak last summer. At one point I weighted in at 235 lbs. I'm pretty sure I gained more, but the batteries on my scale ran out. Happily, for the last couple days, I weighed in below 200 lbs. I'm pretty sure that if I keep hitting the gym that it'll keep going down. I don't really have a weight goal right now, but I'd like to lose more.

Hero of the Moment

My hero for the moment. I wish my science project was this "hot" back in the day.

Lunar Eclipse

It's happening tonight!

http://www.nasa.gov/topics/moonmars/features/eclipse_preview_080219.html

Half-a-Cart

Anyone been to Safeway lately? In the past few weeks or so, I've noticed these carts that are half the length of the normal shopping carts - It's basically, like two baskets on wheels. After a few weeks of declining to use these new carts, I finally decided to try it out yesterday. These carts are new, so the wheels on them not all messed up and the cart wasn't vibrating around, good start already. Getting around the cart was easier too, since they are smaller, making the turns was easy. It felt like going from a mini-van to a sports car. This new cart just felt faster and more manuverable than the old ones. I actually found myself going "vroom, vroom" for a bit in the store. And yes, I didn't care who was taking notice.

Now, as a person who shops for one, the basket can sometimes be too small and the regular carts can be too big, so this new cart was just the right size.

A Run in the Sun

For the first time in several weeks, the sun showed up in Seattle for the weekend. I took advantage of this by going back to the Burke-Gilman trail and running. I went back to the spot where Bri showed me last time and ran the same direction. Instead of running 15 minutes in one direction and then turning back, I ran for 16! I pretty much ran the whole time, I only walked when I was turning around to go back, I walked for a few steps. I ended up running a little bit more than the 32:00 that I planned, but I did run farther than I have last time I was on the trail.

8 Years

It's been eight years. What? Let me grief in peace.

Back to the Gym

Well, after taking a couple days off from running, I went back to the gym today. Didn't do anything extreme, just got on the treadmill for 2.5 miles. Yes, less than what I've been running, but I tried running at a faster pace. 0.3 mph faster actually. I plan on going back tomorrow and Friday, then I'll be getting back to the swing of things by next week.

No Rice For You

Lent has started (a few days ago) and a I have given up rice for lent. Its probably the only semi unhealthy food I'm consistently eating. Rice, well, white rice, is one of those bad carbs. As much as I love the dang food, it's not the healthiest carb I can eat. To get carbs, I recently bought a 5lb sack of potatoes, and a couple extra boxes of pasta. Hopefully the less carb I'm in-taking will help me lose the extra fattage I don't need!

Going Back to Grunge

So a few weeks ago, I was watching the Simpsons and they had an episode about Homer and Marge in the 90s. It was actually funny and entertaining. Anyway, long story short, Homer invents grunge and sings covers of some of the grunge songs from the 90s. Well, this got to looking up many grunge songs I've missed out in my teen years. What? I listened to Snoop and Dr. Dre. Anyway, here I am, 15+ years too late and listening to grunge. Now, even though these albums are old, I will still count it towards my goal of listening to new music.

It Went A Little Something Like This

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh, this isn't my room, but it looks familiar.
Hmm, this isn't my bed.
Oh, hi, you want to make my bed? Ok.
I'll just be on the couch.
Oh, hi, it's you!
I haven't talked to you in over a year.
Nice dress.
Hey who are those two other people?
Girl in nice dress, what are you doing here?
Where is here?
Ok, we'll sit.
Ohh, your skin is soft.
Yes, I want to get close.
I will kiss you!
Oh, ok, pull away.
Oh, welcome back.
...
That was nice.
Ok, pull back again.
You're going to say something
Ohh, sounds important.
Ok, I'm listening.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
End scene, alarm goes off.
Bah!

I ran a 5k today

I am Joram and I ran a 5k today. My official time is 32:39, a pace of 10:32. It is a little slower than the pace I've been running, but I'm just glad I ran the whole time. I think I could have been faster if I didn't have to weave through so many people at the beginning. Ok, quick play by play;

-When I started the race, I went to the back of the 10 minute pace pack.
-Took a couple of minutes for me to actually get to the start line.
-Finally started running.
-Pace was slow since everyone was bunched up at the beginning.
-I tried to stay on the asphalt trail, but trying to get by the slower people, I had to go on the gravel on the sides.
-Took about 5 minutes to finally find some clearing.
-I slowly pass a few people, but even more pass me.
-I eventually get to the 1st mile marker, 10:40?!
-I try to run on the middle of the path as much as possible and try not to cut some edges, I'm not cheating on myself after this far.
-I even go the long way around this tree near the half way point.
-Oh no, the bottle neck part of the course Bri told me about.
-I get stuck behind a few slow people.
-I'm still stuck behind the some slow people.
-2 mile marker! 20 minutes and what?!
-Ok, keep running.
-More slow people.
-I start passing some people walking the other way, these are people who have finished and are walking back to their car!
-People who have finished, cheer us on Thanks!
-"Just around the corner!"
-Mile marker 3! Ok, lets finish strong.
-I start running harder and start passing people.
-Big puddle! Bah, screw going around it! I run right through it.
-I pass more people, heck ya!
-Yay! Finished.
-Bri takes a picture of me moments after I finished (hope it turns out well).
-Ohh, free banana.

So, that was my first experience with a 5k. It was a fun and good experience and I'll definitely try another run again - Bri has already mentioned the St. Patrick's Day run, but we'll see.

Just Do It

5k today. In a couple hours. Yeah...

Expensive Saturday

Ended up going shopping yesterday. I first went to Fred Meyer's because I heard on the radio that they were having a sale on athletic gear. I must have missed it, because the only stuff they had on sale were over-stocked items. I did find some athletic pants to wear for warming up.

I then headed to Joe's ended up buying some new shoes that was to be much better for my flat feet. I then also picked up some tights and some gloves. I've tried on the tights and they don't leave much to the imagination! At the end of these two stops, I've spent just under $200.

I then drove by work to talked to my co-workers about a meeting on Monday which could get ugly, but I'll save that for some other time.

I then stopped at Sleep Country USA to shop for a new bed. I wanted to upgrade from my old twin mattress to hopefully a full size bed. Well, I ended up with a queen. The guy offered me the floor model, a queen size, for much cheaper than a new full size bed.

I went home afterwards to drop off the items I picked up from FM and Joe's. After a quick recovery, I headed over to Target to buy some new sheets for my new bed, which I picked up and set up earlier today, I can't wait to try it tonight! Sheets are pricey. I guess the last sheets I bought were on sale and were for a much smaller mattress. Oh well, luckily there was a sale and I managed to get some generic blue sheets. Blue was perfect, cause they will go very well with my blue comforter.

But yeah, it was an expensive Saturday.

Run Joram Run

Coming from sports background where everything is practices dozens, hundreds of times to get it right just once, I wanted to simulate the 5K run I'll be running in two weeks; First step was to do it outdoors. Running on the flat ground will be different than running on a treadmill and also, I will have to deal with the chilly weather. So, this morning I decided to use my newly purchased tights and run in the cold. My roommate, Bri, decided to come along, which kind of surprised me since her running is at a much higher level. Well, I guess she's having a lot pain from the training, but wanted to run, but not her usual long distance.
After getting dressed from the cold morning, we headed toward the Burke-Gilman trail. Oh god it was cold! I only wanted to run about 15 minutes, so we started running in one direction and at 15 minutes, we would turn around and head back to my truck. The run started out cold, but thank god, I warmed up. While I struggled jogging and making sure I had no snot dripping down my nose, Bri just jogged easily and chatted away. As she talked, I could just muster a word here and there, cause, I was running out of breath. We ended up running just a little over 15 minutes in one direction before heading back. The total run ran just over 31 minutes and Bri estimated that we ran about 2.75 miles. Overall, the run was fun and a good experience, so I will try to run outside again before the 5k.

Oh yeah, Kibbie the cat is back!

No Cat?! (it gets darker)

Dark Betrayal

Around, all around, the furies gather.
My dread grows as an avenging sword falls against my heart.
It smites me, and darkly my
essence drips to the broken ground.
In numbness I cry out, Why?!
while oblivion laughs cruelly.
Now alone, my vitae falls upon wailing eyes.

This is because of you

Love 'Em or Leave 'Em

It's official, I signed up to run Love 'Em or Leave 'Em. It's only two weeks away, but it is only a 5k run.

No Cat?! (A little darker)

Alone in Darkness

the night falls without a sound, cold and alone I am.
the salvation for which I pine
flares once, then dies,
swept away by the all-encompassing dark.
all hope must surely perish.

my soul thrives no more.
how could you abandon me?
shadows surround me, crying,
we have lost our way.

No Cat?!

Another week without the house cat?!....

I felt the urge to put my feelings in writing
The thought of not being with you is frightening
You are my eternal sunshine
Especially for you I created this rhyme

Meeting you was like winning the grand prize
Especially when looking into your beautiful eyes
Words cannot express
What it makes me feel when I see you in distress

Kibbie, you mean so much to me
Being with you, one plus one equals three
I anxiously await our time ahead
Not being together, my heart feels dead

This Cat nip is for you, I hope you will like it
Hoping to capture your heart, bit by bit
I look forward to our next moment together
Without you, I feel life does not matter

I Impress the Youngins

I am Joram and I impress the youngins'. During my run on the treadmill yesterday, a couple of teenagers came into the apt gym. One of the girl's dad was in the gym also. To kill some time while waiting for the dad, the girls get on the machines and try them out. One of the girls unfortunately haven't visited a gym or exercised in a while. This was quickly noticeable as all she did was complain of her being out of breath for being on the machines for such a short time. This whole time, I was just jogging along on the treadmill. This caught the attention of the out-of-breath girl and was surprised that I was still jogging along. I finally stopped jogging after 30 mins and walked as a cool down for 5 minutes, and of course the girl was *** all like, "Oh my god, you deserve a candy bar",
And I immediately reply, "NO".
Her friend laughs saying that candy would just make me fat and wouldn't help with the running. Smart friend.
The girl was asking me how long I've been on the treadmill, I tell her, "35 minutes"
and she's all, "wooooow, oh my god".
I wonder how she would have acted if I told her about my roommate who runs for three to four hours at a time. I think that would have literally blew her mind. No, like, really.

I Eat A Lot

I am Joram and I eat a lot. I feel that I just ate a lot today, what do you think?

Breakfast:
Scrambled Eggs (2 whole eggs)
Pancake (~5 inches)
Blueberry syrup

Mid Morning Snack
Oatmeal (~5 oz) small amount!

Pre-walk Lunch
My horrible pasta salad. It sucks, if anyone has a good pasta salad recipe, I need it now.

Post-walk Lunch
Rice (~1 cup)
Chicken (~6 oz)

Mid-afternoon snack
Open face salmon sandwich...
Some of my leftover baked salmon(~3 oz) on one piece of wheat bread.

Dinner
Spinach with some vinaigrette (I ate your spinach Broomie)
Brown Rice (~1 cup)
Chicken (~6 oz)

Post dinner snack
Protein shake, which consists of;
12 oz of milk
1/2 cup of blueberries
1 tbsp of peanut butter
1 serving of protein powder

I don't want to do the math, but that's a lot of calories. I typically don't have a pre-walk lunch, but I wanted to get some extra carbs in me for my run today. Man, I'm going to get fat again.

Week's End

Run total for the week: 7 miles

This running program that I've been using has been good so far, but looking ahead, it looks like it just went from easy peasy to give-up-now-you-will-never-be-able-to-run-this-far mileage. What am I talking about? It's been suggested that you don't add more than 10% to you distance every week, well, over the next week, the program has me running 8.25 miles. That's a 17.86% addition! Don't give me this, that's only 1.25 miles, or that's only like 12-14 more minutes (like my roommate), but that's seems like a large leap. I guess I'll see how it goes.

On another note, I decided to add a little focus time to one muscle group in my lifts; at the moment, I've been focusing on my shoulders. I want to focus on something a couple weeks or more at a time. I added four lifts for this, although only two seems to be giving me the muscle stress I'd like. Anyway, I should get ready for my 2.75 mile run soon.

Dessert Diet

It's really a simple diet:
Step 1. Eat desserts
Step 2. ??????
Step 3. Profit
Look at my results!
The top photo is from Donut Bread night and the bottom photo is from last night.
Nah, actually it's more like getting up and moving around. Doing Taebo, yoga, running, spinning, lifting weights, and cutting down on excess calories - all these helped out with the fat loss. Also, the fact that I am just plain awesome!

Although, even with some positive results, I do have a ways to go to where I'd like to be at physically.

I've Lost My Roommate

I am Joram and I've lost my roommate. No, really. For the last few weeks, she's been spending most if not all of her free time at some friends' place. Sure, it started out at a few hours a nights for a couple nights out of the week, but now it's every night.
-They seem to have plenty of fun, well, I assume that's why she always return. I on the other hand, am usually stuck behind a computer.
-She's mentioned that the two guys hate their third roommate, so it'd be perfect if they could replace that third roommate with my roommate.
-They cook her meals, which my roommate have asked me in the past, but refused.
-I follow sports, especially since it's been bowl season and playoffs. She's meh about it, just like her friends, they don't watch sports.
-I always make a mess in the kitchen, and I know that keeping the sink and counter top clean is one of her peeves.
-At the guys' place, her commute to work would be reduced to "just down the road".
Then yesterday, she came home with a box, A BOX! It's only a matter of time before she pulls a Phoebe and starts moving out one item at a time. Well, I guess I better start looking for a roommate that likes video games and cats. Yeah, that's right, I'm keeping the cat!


Satire? Or I have abandonment issues.

What Smells Like Smoke?

I wanted to sleep in this morning, but unfortunately, Kibbie the cat woke me up at 7:00. Bah! First he takes over my bed last night so I couldn't go to sleep as early as I would have like and now he wakes me up. Anyway, I couldn't go back to sleep, so I decide to take advantage of being up so early. I had a protein shake, watched a few Saturday morning cartoons and then headed to the gym. Since I ran yesterday, I decided to use the stationary bike. When I got to the gym, another resident, had just gotten there just ahead of me. For a moment I thought she was a smoker, since the gym had the distinctive smell of smoke. As I'm getting prepared to get on the bike, the other resident let's out a loud sigh, shakes her head and looks at me. What the hell did I do to you?! I was ready to rumble, but she takes a few steps towards the garbage and on the floor next to the garbage was a bong. Ohhhh, that explains the smell and her sighing at me. We both shake our head at the situation, that someone has just ruined our lungs for their pleasure.
*Sigh*
We both decide to continue on with our workouts and deal with the smelly atmosphere. About five minutes into my ride, some teenager comes walking in, avoids eye contact with anyone, walks over to the garbage and picks up the bong. I was waiting for the other resident, who was a lady in her middle ages to give him a talking, but that never happened. I on the other hand, just started grinning and shaking my head. I continue on the bike and in the end, I was spinning(?) for 40 minutes. I really don't know how long I can be on a bike, since sitting on the bike saddle cause certain things down there to not get as much blood as I would like. :p

On another note, I don't know what it is, but my stomach is acting up. I had to go to the store for some medication to hopefully settle my stomach. It's been about at hour since I had took the medicine and my stomach is still acting up. I was ready to pig out on some hot dogs and nachos for the Seahawks game today, but that might not happen.

A Run & A Target Adventure.

6.25 miles for the week. Hmm, not bad.

Knees felt a lot better today. I raided my closet, but I only managed to find only one knee brace. I know I have a few more somewhere. I'll have to look again tomorrow. Anyway, I tried running with the brace, but it felt weird to have only one knee braced. I felt ... imbalanced. I decided to take it off only a few minutes in my run and continued without it. I finished my 2.25 mile run today with very little joint pains. Although, I am starting to stiffen up, so I'm going to dedicate some time tomorrow and throughout next week for some stretching.

I went back to Target tonight to return some shorts that were too big. After a brief wait in line, I returned the item. While there, I decided to go ahead and take a quick look inside the store. Well, this quick look turned into an hour and I left the store with $70 worth of new clothes. Geez, I go return a $12 item and somehow end up spending $70. I'm weak!

Chill!!!

Take it easy, don't over-react. Calm down. 2, 3, 4....

Wrong Dates

Today's the 11th?! Really?! Boy was I off - I was faxing some stuff at work today and was putting that it was the 9th today on the cover sheets. I must have been really out of it, because there are calendars everywhere at my work. *sigh* I need to pay attention.

2 miles*

I was suppose to run two miles none stop today, but sadly, I stopped twice. Although, those two times I stopped to walk lasted for less than two minutes, so overall, it didn't go too bad. Two miles is the longest I've run at one time well, I think ever. I ran for about 15 minutes in 8th grade and we had conditioning for football, but none were for two miles. Grats to me.

Felt some pain with the run today. Nothing crazy, but there were some pain in my knee joints. I think I'm going to have to go into my closet and search for my knee braces because I really don't know if my knees can handle these runs I've been doing. Actually, yes, I really need to do this - I've been running with knee braces since my injury in high school.

Svelte

So over the weekend I went out and got a new belt. I guess all this time in the gym is paying off since the right places are getting smaller. I still wouldn't call myself fit, but my roommate did call me "svelte", which I've never heard before. After looking it up, I think I know why;

svelte - adjective, svelt-er, svelt-est.
1. slender, esp. gracefully slender in figure; lithe
2. suave; blandly urbane

from dictionary.com

Yeah, none of those would normally describe me. I think my roommate's on something. Anyway, I'm starting to think I should do a 5k or something, since that would definitely help me with my goals of getting lean. The Love 'em or Leave 'em is about 4 1/2 weeks away - wonder if I could be ready in time.

One Million Miles Away

Ahh, memories. I spent countless hours years ago trying to get the name of the song and artist in the background. Then more time trying to find the album or just the single.
Definitely one of the more memorable commecials.

AIM Flashback

An old conversation, I'm ACanova;
...
Zebre bleu: Yeah. How are things going up there? Any new gossip that I need to hear about?
ACanova: Gossip? Well, several people thought I was suicidal for a while
Zebre bleu: Why?
ACanova: I was leaving sad and depressed away messages on AIM
Zebre bleu: Really? All of the away messages of yours that I read were words of inspiration. Why were you leaving sad messages?
ACanova: Those inspirational words were after people started asking me about my away messages...I was just feeling sad and depressed
Zebre bleu: Oh, why were you feeling that way?
ACanova: I don't know, I was just feeling lonely I think
...

Album # 1 & 2

Decided to listen to In Rainbows by Radiohead while I was in the gym today. My initial reaction is that it is too mellow and slow-paced for a workout music. It's a nice listening or background music, but not really for my taste in the gym.

The other album I listened to is Insomniatic by Aly & AJ (ROFL). Definitely a pop album for your younger generation. Even though the subject of most of the song are about relationships (sort of), it does have some fast paced song that would work out well in my "gym music".

300 Workout

Ok, I looked at the "300 Workout" and I'm not in the shape to do it and do not have all the proper equipment, so I created my own 120 workout. Ok, there's an intermediate workout, but the site that had it has suddenly dissappered, so I tried to do the plan from memory;
15 x Lat Bar Pulldowns
15 x Pushups
30 x Jumping Jacks
15 x Body Weight Squat
30 x Mtn Climbers
15 x Lat Bar Pulldowns

I tried this out before my run and it didn't turn out so bad. I was out of breath at the end, but I wasn't exhausted or fatigue. I think I'm going to add 15 more pushups and 15 more squats to get it to 150 for next time. I'll eventually get it up to 300... eventually.

Edit:
I just checked again and the site is back up!
Here is the 150 workout;

15 bodyweight rows
25 bodyweight squats
15 pushups
50 jumping jacks
20 mountain climbers
10 close grip pushups
15 bodyweight rows

I Push People Away

True story.

My Subconscious

"He's a kind of person who's only happy when he's unhappy"

I heard this quote a while ago and I started wondering, am I one of those people? I seem to to never take advantage of the things I've been privileged with. *So sad*

I am young. I need to freaking take advantage of this privilege. I remember my insurance gig and I talked to a lot of people in their 50s, 60s, 70s & older and they pretty much talked to me about missing their youth. I was staring at myself in the mirror the other day in the gym and I started asking myself, "why did I stop doing this?" Probably cause I've been thinking I'm old.

I've been thinking I'm old for over 10 years! I'm not old, I'm young. My body hurts, but it can a whole lot worst, I am not bed-bound. I need to just abuse my body some more, I have a good idea of what my body can take and I need to test it.

I need to freaking move on, I seem to get attached to someone and not want to move on. I've been stuck in the past. I've met so many great people, but I'm still thinking of the past and how it was fun and great. Just of the top of my head, I know that three of my password are related to someone from my past. MY PAST!
******
My boss talked to me about my attendance today. I've been at work everyday I had to be there, but I have been late 1 or 2 minutes late A LOT! Basically I need to stop it and get to work on time. I know I haven't been the happiest at work for several reasons I don't really want to share here, but I kind of wonder if I'm subconsciously trying to get fired. Hmm, I need to get to work on time more.
******
I need...

So a New Year Begins

First of all, Happy 2008.

2007 for me was well, ok. I already some of the things I've done over the past year in a previous post so, I guess I won't repeat them again. I guess I should share my goals or resolutions for the new year.

Keep up the exercise
I actually started already a few weeks ago.
I must keep working on my aerobic by staying on the treadmill or on the stationary bike.

Keep watching what I eat
This one I've been doing for the most part for over a year now. I cook the majority of what I eat, so I know what's in it. Doing this help me manage to not gain weight. I guess with some exercise, the two should help me lose weight.

You know, those two are not really new, so I guess I should come up with something new.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Find and listen to some new music
I bought an ipod to listen so that I may have something to listen to while I work out, so now I want to listen to some new artist or album when I work out. I guess at least one new album a week would suffice. That would be 52 new albums for the year, hmm, that seems a lot. Well, we'll see how close I get.

More time with my friends.
Well, I just spend way too much in front of a computer that I could spend it with some friends - My roommate has first hand experience of this.

Find more friends(?)
Well, actually, make friends. I have all these co-workers that a few I do enjoy talking to at work, but I never see them outside of work. Also as a part of this, I should make an effort on learning some of the names of the people working on my floor. There has been so many times that I have to find someone and I have to talk to several people or go wandering around looking at people's nameplates.

Anyway, I guess three will work for now - Music, Time with Friends, and Be Friendly.

What am I doing? SRSLY!